The Washington critic., 1887-12-15
WASHINGTON, DEC. 10, 1887
.-.- Tur oENrrNSrAL OF 80.

80 THE CENTENNIAL OF 80.
\ bill has been introduced in the
Senate authorizing an appropriation of
5000, 900 for the purpose of defraying,
lin manner becoming to the dignity of
the United States" the expenses of the
Centennial of the Constitution, to be
celebrated al the National Capital in
1889.
It may safely be assumed that no citi-
zen of the United States, who properly
understands the spirit and purpose of
the proposed celebration, will object to
the expenditure indicated.
The Centennial of the Declaration of
Independence was made memorable by
the grandcst exposition of similar char
acter and inspiration ever held in
any country; but the Centennial
of the Constitution is of q still
loftier and broader significance, and
there are peculiar reasons why its COM
memoration should be divested of all
the speculative features pertaining TO a
private enterprise, and be committed TO
the exclusive charge and direction of the
General Government.
1t is not intended to be in any sense
an exposition, excepting us it illustrates
by reunion of the representative citi
zens of all the American republics the
substantial fruitage of constitutional
peace and liberty that was born of the
ensanguined flower of the Revolution.
The Declaration of Independence was
an act of rebellion against an authority
that had become intolerably oppres-
sive. 1t was the initial step that led
not only to freedom from monarchical
rule, but to the extinguishment Of the
monarchical idea on American soil.
But it was thirteen years-years Of
doubt and dificulty-before the States,
which had 80 heroically won their lib
critics, concluded compact of union
which promised to assure their preser-
walton and demonstrate the practicable
ity Of the principles of self-government
Can the people be called upon to per-
form any more patriotic or pleasing duty
than to celebrate the illustrious success
Of Union which, after the test of u
hundred years against manifold dangers
from without and more formidable dam
gers from within, has survived to be
alike the marvel and the glory of the
century,
And what more appropriate occasion
for such a celebration than the ccnten-
nial anniversary of the adoption of the
Federal Constitution and the Inaugural
ton of the Chief Magistrate who first
set the executive machinery Of the
Government in motion?
In the observance of this anniversary
all who share in the benefccnt results
of the great event which it signalizes
are called upon by the bill to pariici
pate. The blessings of the Constitution
are not to the people of the Unitcc
States alone. The spirit of popular lib
crty with which the organic law of thu
Republic ispermeated has vitalized wei
nigh the entire American continent, lift
ing TO high planes Of civilization nation
that were long PROSTATE under the hec
of foreign conquest, diifusing the ligh
of liberty where before was only til,
darkness of ignorance and despotism
and opening up possibilities of develop
ment that few generations ago wer
not even dreamed OF.
Fifteen Republics, adopting the Con
stitution of the United States as thei
model have instituted substantially tn
same form of government, and are rapid
advancing TO stage of enlightenment
and civilization identical with our owr
Obviously celebration Of the Center
NAL of the Constitution would be incon
plete were these, our sister Republic
not present TO join in its festivities
There are considerations of mutual sell
interest as well ms u mutually of sent
mcnt also to enhance the appropriate
ness of this international reunion. 1t
of importance that nations so closcl
related politically should be likewi'
related commercially. We should be
community of friends as well as neigl
bors, and thus coming together in con
mon cause and animated by commo
hope, more would be accomplished in
single week toward cementing the bont
of union between us than by years
treaty negotiation and formal diplomat
intercourse.
In all respects, the projected celebr
tion comincnds itself TO the approvii
Judgment Of the people, and we cann
entertain the contingency of even Il
shadow Of doubt as to its cordial a
probation by the representatives of Il
people in Congress.
Ex-SENAToR Lucas of West Virgin
is to be congratulated upon his su
cessor. The next best thing iirst-cls